Garces Bookbinder’s Details and a Rosa Blanca Menu

By Danya Henninger | October 18, 2013

Credit: Danya Henninger

On Monday, The Insider broke the news that Jose Garces had inked a deal to take over the Old Original Bookbinder’s space at Second and Walnut Streets. Garces Group has issued a formal statement confirming the deal, explaining that the space will be used as a commissary kitchen for the catering division. Also planned are a special events venue and an oyster saloon, to operate on a limited basis. Spring 2014 is the target launch date.

The statement ends by noting Garces is focused right now on Volver, coming to the Kimmel Center, and Rosa Blanca, the revamp of Chifa into a Cuban diner. Speaking of Rosa Blanca, we got our hands on a draft of the relatively long dinner menu, below.

Empanadas, escabeches, enchiladas and much more are on the list, which is broken into sections like “Entradas,” “Comidas” and “Desayuno” (that last is a series of breakfast dishes like egg Benedict - el Benedicto - and pumpkin pancakes). Also planned are a set of daily specials - arroz con pollo on Mondays, for example, and mondongo (tripe stew) on Saturdays. A November opening is planned.